STEPHEN GALBERTH is a dancer and choreographer based in Jersey City, NJ. He presented his work Ten Cents on the Dollar at the Memorial Theatre in Montclair, NJ and was the second runner up in the American College Dance Association to perform his piece "M-a-rgin" at the Kennedy Center. In 2015, Stephen danced with Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, performing at venues such as Kaatsbaan International Dance Center and The Alvin Ailey School. He has recently performed works by Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Antonio Brown, Maxine Steinman and has participated in a site specific work by the Windmill Factory at the Panorama Music Festival. Stephen trained at The Ailey School and Dance Theatre of Harlem and attended the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conferences in Denver and Philadelphia. He graduated with a BFA in Dance from Montclair State University in 2016 and completed his early dance training at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. This is my first season with 277 Dance Project and I’m thrilled!
Where did you grow up?
I’m from Washington DC. I moved to Jersey City, NJ after graduation.
What are the challenges and joys of being a dance artist in NYC?
Being a freelance artist in NYC is challenging because you never know what your next gig will be. This doesn’t include having to work a side job to pay for rent and your personal needs. But there’s something about being in NYC/NJ that makes you feel closer to your dreams and makes the hard work worthwhile. It also keeps me focused.
What about Cardboard Stage do you connect with most?
When dancing Cardboard Stage, I feel as though I am having a personal battle with myself. It forces me to address uncomfortable issues without the luxury of time to reflect on them. I’m constantly thinking about ways to address the piece, stemming from the expression in my movement to the momentum of my breath.
If you could have dinner with one person (you don’t know) who would it be? What would you talk about?
I would have dinner with my younger self. Just to tell myself to not be afraid to grow, live, and reflect. Talk about my artistry and just see what my thought process was back then. I’m curious!
Favorite films:
King Kong
Scary Movie 2
Stephen Galberth will be performing in Cardboard Stage - October 18, 19, 20 at 8pm
Triskelion Arts - 106 Calyer Street, Brooklyn NY. Tickets on Sale Now!
Photo: Robert Altman
